SEPT / OCT. 1980 VOLUME 31 No.7 Ameri TABLE Of CONTENT Sept/Oct 1980 FOR THOSE Editorial From the President ...... by Emily B. Johnson WHO DEMAND FENCl(ISSN 002-8436) Reflections on a Trip to Moscow Official publication of the by Irwin Bernstein THE BEST! Amateur Fencers League of America, Inc. Fencing Results from Moscow ©1978 Amateur Fencers League of America, Inc 1980 Olympics Capsul Report by Richard Gradkowski Dedicated to the memory of Technique Without Tactics JOSE R. deCAPRILES, 1912-1969 is a Dead End ...... Second Class Postage by Stanislav Bardakh paid at Berkeley, CA 94704 and at additional mailing offices 1980 Metropolitan Women's Epee and Sabre ...... , .. . Editor: Mary T. Huddleson by Denise O'Connor Business Manager: Dwight Chew Annual Membership Meeting Art Director: Diane King Minutes ...... , .. . - TOP QUALITY Policy Board: Emily B. Johnson, William Latzko, Eleanor Turney, Ralph Goldstein, Toward More Enjoyable Dwight Chew, Mary Huddleson Sabre Tournaments ...... by Ralph J. Tykodi Send all cor,triuutions and correspondence to Calendar of Major Events - RAPID SERVICE AMERICAN FENCING 2201 Bywood Drive in the U.S ...... Oakland, CA 94602 Appreciation Of Maestro Kadar, Part II ...... AFLA President: Emily B. Johnson, 1250 Ellis by Alan Ruben -OUTSTANDING St, #11, San Francisco CA 94109 AFLA Secretary: Eleanor Turney, 601 Curtis St, Directing Techniques ...... SELECTION Albany Ca 94706 by William Goering Send all returns and changes of address to: Coming Attractions ...... , .. AFLA, 601 Curtis St, Albany, CA 94706 Technical Talks ...... by Joe Byrnes - COMPETITIVE Times, Stops, and Evasions by Arthur Lane PRICES Harriet King, an Interview by Jill Peacock Additions to Club Roster ...... -FULLY ABOUIIHE COVER ILLUSTRATED DEADLINE FOR 1981 ISSUES Mayor Dianne Feinstein of CATALOG Francisco presents our new I Issue Date Closing Date Mailing Date dent, Emily Johnson, with an A PRICE $3.00 For Copy of Merit after conducting install NOVIDEC OCT 10 DEC 1 ceremonies in the Mayor's 0 Ms. Johnson is the first wom, JAN/FEB DEC 10 FEB 1 serve as president in the entir year history of the AFLA. APR 1 r:! MAR/APR FEB 10 -photo by M. H , A\\rn~~1180 FOLSOM STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. ~5~ 94103 - 415/863'7911 With this issue, our style may change but our objectives remain the same: to publish Editorial an informative magazine for all types of American fencers and to promote an un­ derstanding of our favorite sport among in­ terested readers. Bearing this in mind, we bY' En j~j A glance at our masthead will inform our look forward to your continued support, readers of the new editorial staff of suggestions, and contributions. -MTH AMERICAN FENCING. Since our former It seems somewhat absurd to start a column It's a big job and she needs help, editor, Emily Johnson, has now become with a list of names and addresses but I want help. If you care about fencing and wan' president of the AFLA (she is truly a glutton everyone to know right off who to get in touch it grow, then lend a hand. But pleaSE for punishment). we shall attempt to carry The 1981 MACCABIAH GAMES with in a particular area. If you contact the volunteer if what you really intend is tl on where she left off. We welcome the ta­ by Maxwe/IR. Garret correct person to start with, your letter will your name listed as a member of a con lents of Dwiyl1t Chew, our new Business and not do any work. That is bad for thE Mal1ager, who wrll take care of our financial have a better chance of avoiding the The 11 th Maccabiah Games will be held in pressure of those who do work - who a and advertising matters. We retain our Art cracks in the floor of the Post Office. Israel from July 6-16, 1981. It is anticipated Micki Conte, executive vice president, 1208 busy. Director, Diane King, who seems quite that 31 sports will be featured with represen­ Venice Boulevard, Venice, Ca. 90291, is in This is an ideal place for you recrE able to put together in intelligible form a tatives from 35 countries participating It is charge of publicity. If you have a suggestion, fencers to get involved. Fencing isn't veritable pot-pourri of articles, photos, an­ expected that over 2800 athletes will be pre­ an important contact, want to help, or want those who compete. It's for all of us y, nouncements, notices, and ads. Our ven­ sent. Athletes will be housed according to some help, contact her directly. proud to be able to support our greal erable Policy Board, in addition to the new their sport and not according to national af­ William A Goering, 6615 Glenway Drive, who are proud to be members of an , President, now consists of Bill Latzko, our filiation. Thus, all the fencers will be housed West Bloomfield, MI. 48033, is the Chairman of club, the AFLA Treasurer; Eleanor Turney, our Secretary; at Wingate Institute, Israel's national coach­ the Fencing Officials Commission. If you have Nag. Nag. Nag. Ralph Goldstein; Dwight Chew; and my­ ing and physical education school. Here is a question about officiating, directors' testing, Eleanor Tumey, National Secretar self. With the exception of Diane, we are all an opportunity for Jewish athletes from all or the rules, you can write to him. He will either Curtis St., Albany, Ca. 94706, does eve "voluI1teers," but we will strive to turn out a over the world to meet in Israel. answer you directly or assign it to one of the a National Secretary has to do, an inc semi-professional product. continued page 6 members of the Commission. However, every­ variety. One of her more difficult jobs is thing will run a lot more easily if you will go keep track of all of you movers. She haE through "channels". For example, it is up me to remind you that the Post Office dl to the sectional chairman to ask about the forward magazines, if you leave ache assignment of an official from the commis­ address at the Post Office. A Post sion to give directors tests at the section­ person tears off the cover page and ~ THE BEST IN EUROPE als, not an individual fencer. Ask the Sec­ to her with the new address. This c tional Chairman first. $.25 and you don't get your magazir IMPORTED IN THE U.S.A. Charles Thompson, Vice-president, 1115 are not entitled to snarl at the AFU AND HANDPICKED AT THE Belvedere Drive, Hanahan, S C. 29410, is have moved and have not receive working on a special project for the Officials magazine unless you have removed FACTORY BY RAOUL SUDRE Commission. dress label from an old magazine 8 Colleen Olney, Vice-president, 2221 SE warded it to her complete with your n IN AN EFFORT TO SERVE 117th, Portland, Oregon 97216, is in charge of correct address well in advance of tI­ FENCERS A UTILE BETIER. the Junior and Grass Roots Development ing date. You can use a Post Office f Committee. This is entirely too much work for post card, a letter or a carrier pigeon anyone person to be saddled with. The com­ long as she gets it ASOP. (It was ye mittee will be subdivided as soon as feasible. fore I learned that this meant as s However, at the moment-- Colleen is very pOSsible. I was under the impressior knowledgable in this field. She has long been was Russian slang). one of the mainstays of the Junior Olympic William J. Latzko, Treasurer, 211 Committee. She has been in charge of the Street, North Bergen, N.J. 07047 i Coaches' Clinic at Squaw Valley (this year tight with the AFLA money. He do there were 31 student coaches for a 5 day pay any unauthorized bills. S~ 7eHW«J camp) and has worked with the junior camp Michel Mamlouk, 1127 15th StreE &~~ ever since it started. She believes, as we all do, Washington, D. C. 20005 is our F PRIEUR that there should be similar camps all over the Secretary. He is the man to contact 5 Westwood Knoll country. Such camps are primarily a function foreign trips, the international calend Send for our catalog and price List. Ithaca, New York 14850 of the local divisions and sections. We at the its by foreign athletes and the like. national level assist, coordinate, advise and, Mary HudFoil Champion Dal Zc eveyorle to join the AFLA anu war k on behalf of Olympics. Irwin Bernstein is our recent Past­ liese and Maxwell R. Garret. Since selection among the missing. the League? A lot of everything. I have to keep President of the AFLA and Richard Gradkowski of the US. fencing team must be completed The western European approach to track of what is going on, establish and push is a former Assistant Editor of AMERICAN FENC­ by January 15, 1981, all interested Jewish boycott was dramatically evident in fer programs, work with all the other volunteers, ING. fencers are urged to submit their application ing. The second final, Women's IndividL utter erlcouraging noises, coordinate ac­ to Professor Julia Jones Pugliese 176 East REfLECTIONS ON A was won by Pascale Trinquet of Fran ti;ilies, work witt I otiler organizations including 17th Street New York, New York 10021. the USOC, whatever I feel is necessary to TRIP TO MOSCOW Instead of the customary raising of fie promote AFLA fencing. and playing of the French national anthE Final selection of the twelve (12) fencers­ by Irwin Bernstein the winner's flag pole had the Internatio I welcome letters. I don't even mind the three (3) in each weapon - will be made prior "Dear Si r, you cur" ones if there are good ideas Duri:lg the tumultuous months that pre­ Olympic Committee flag and it was the Ii to January 15, 1981 following the last Olym­ ceded by boycott of the 1980 Summer anthem that was played (after a hurr in them. I prefer lellers to phone calls because pic trial competition held in 1980. I frequently forget to take notes of what was Olympics by the U.S Olympic Committee, search for the music). Similar steps w ------it was clearly established, in discussions also taken in the Opening and Clos said ar ld if I do remember to jot dowrl what was Cornell University has announced that Ceremonies when many of the western , said my notes are usually illegible. Letters I can two of its new inductees to the Cornell with our government, that continuity of par­ tiCipation in international federations re­ legations did not march or show their c mull over. Athletic Hall of Fame are Olympic fencer mained a vital objective of all our sports. flags. There are many otller hard-working mem­ Richard Pew, who was fourtil ill epee at the With this in mind, John Lyons and I rep­ John and I were most warmly receivec bers of the League whose names have not 1956 Games in Melbourne, and his coach, resented the AFLA at the Congress of the the FIE Congress and as observers at been included either because they work in a the late Georges Cointe, head trainer of the FIE held in Moscow during the Olympic fencing events. With our participation, local area or because orlly a limited number 1956 Olympic Crew as well as Cornell Games and stayed on for the first portion Congress elected Chaba Pallaghy to would Ilave occasion to correspond with them. fencing coach from 1935-61. Under Cointe The meeting of the Board of Directors will be of the Games. The U.S Olympic Commit­ FIE Executive Committee, a position in 1955, Cornell won the IFA three-weapon tee provided the air fare to demonstrate its considerable influence and of great pot held next month. I will comment in my next championship. full support for such activities. tial value to our continued progress in The Olympic Organizing Committee and nationally. We also had the opportunit'j the Russian Fencing Federation did an spend time with the organizers of the 1S outstanding job of staging the Games and World Championships as well as the 1S providing the visiting athletes and officials Olympic Fencing in order to obtain ~ with as comfortable and convenient a stay sonal insights into their planning and pr as possible. The fencing events were run aration as a preliminary to 1984 Olym under ideal conditions with regard to planning. strips, electronic scoring and timing (even As VIP visitors, we were naturally spa the "coin toss" for sabre priority was con­ much of the usual formalities and "r' ducted electronically), lighting, electronic tape" that regular travelers to Russia scoreboard for spectators, almost instan­ counter. It was still very apparent, hi taneous printing of pool results for officials ever, that as Americans entering Rus, (in English as well as French and Russian), we were really visiting another world. - and other auxiliary facilities. Similar prep­ regimentation, the military and police ~ arations were also evident at the other sence, the self-conscious reaction events we attended. With all of this, how­ people when one tried to extend a com ever, there was a cold atmosphere be­ sation beyond the purely routine, all cause of the ever-present, overbearing monstrated that t:1e police state atm security, as well as the obvious absence of phere was clearly present even as so many fine fencers from countries not outward manifestations of hospitality ( fully participating. The boycott was proba­ "best Olympic behavior" were being pr bly more effective in fencing than in some sed upon us. When we were able to per of the other sports because of decisions rate beneath the surface, we sometir aside from the well known ones of the found very warm human reactions, bL Olympic Committees of the USA, West took a good deal of effort. Germany, Canada, China, and Japan. For The city of Moscow itself is quite impr example, although Switzerland partici­ sive. The buildings tend to be massi pated in the Olympics, their fencers did with ample space around them for trl nnt ;>nri ;>Ithnllnh It;>11I n:'lrti"in;>tpei thpir "wei fnli:'lnp M:'lnv nf thp m ltlorouglifares are very wide with a few hav­ fENCING RESULTS beat his teammates Romankov and Ruziev WOMEN'S TEAM: ing as many as 12 traffic lanes. There were From the Moscow Olympics and lost only to Joliot. Ex-World Junior and The first round of the Wome relatively few private cars but an enormous Senior Champion Romankov then defeated event saw Great Britain (Wrigg public transportation system of buses, trol­ Joliot 5-4 to tie things up for a three way Brannon, Grant, Martin, Cawthorr leys, and subway. Our Olympic credentials Men's Foil (36 enl!;eS [:01\1 15 1)V USSR.4v-1d(1i1,+12),2)P Joliot,FRA,4v-1d(1/1, barrage. In the barrage Romankov av­ Hungary by 8-8, 58-61, while gave us free access to public transporta­ +71.3) A RU".J""c,. USSR. 4v-1d (1/1. +3): 4) S. Ruz;ev. USSR. enged his earlier loss to Smirnov 5-4, German women lost to Cuba by e tion as well as the use of the frequent spe­ 2v-3d: 5) P Kuki, ROM, Ov-5d Smirnov then crushed Joliot 5-0, and in the 8-8. 67-68. Italy and the U.S.S cial Olympic buses that moved among the Men's Foil Team (9 entries) last bout Joliot roared back to destroy nated Romania. France then rollE Olympic venues. The Moscow Metro is a 1) 2) USSR: 3) 4) Ge: "J" D.R: 5) 6) H-Ji'\Jiit y Romankov 5-0. The three way tie had to be to take the Gold medal decisively magnificent facility with very frequent trains Women's Foil (33 14 cuunU;es) resolved by the total touch count of both U.S.S.R. and beautiful, museum-like stations. With a 1) P Trinquet, FRA, 4v-1d: 2) M, Maras, HUN, 3v-2d (+6); 3) 8 the pool and barrage. SABRE INDIVIDUAL: map and some assistance from other rid­ Wysoczanska. POL 3v-2d (+ 1): 4) E S1ah!. ROM. 2v-3d (-2!21): 5) 8 Latri-Gaudin, FRA 2v-3d (-2/22J; 6) O. YClcc:alUlli, ITA, 1v-4d The sabre field was hotly contE ers we were able to use the Metro for in­ FOil TEAM: Women's Foil Team (9 entries) difficult right from the start. ThE dependent traveling and thus see more of 1) 2) USSR; 3) Hunga,y, 4) Poland. 5) Italy: 6) Cuba The first round of the foil team competi­ level of sabre fencing has also the civilian population, whose technique for In] 13 CUUIl:ries) tion saw Cuba and Hungary fight to an 8-8, with far fewer double actions, getting onto crowded subway trains ranks USSR, 4v-ld (v5-3): 2) M 8u,lsev, USSR. 4v 1 d, 3) I. GCUG.'J:;, : 1:...,'1\1. 3v-2J, 4) \j 8UL, 2v-3d; 5) 58-58 dead tie for a "match null". France even the best sabre men are still r well against the best of New Yorkers I K Bul..., 1v-4d (-2), 51 M Mafte:, iTA, v-4d (-6). If I could project our experience to 1984, then defeated both teams by the score of level of the former greats such Sabre Team (8 elllIies) 10-6, but since the Hungarians received 63 lowski and Karpati. Along with H I would foresee at least two major differ­ 1) vSSR; 2) Itaiy, 3) Hufl(,Jd!y, 4) rei,mo. 5) G; German ences. I would not expect the Los Angeles DR touches and the Cubans 67 touches, Hun­ progress in fencing technique n Olympics to mobilize the personnel to Epee \42 IG gary qualified while Cuba was eliminated. nations are finding their way te 1) J HJrnhJI1Lel'"j, SV\lE. 4v- ld, 2) E fpiste for the finals. Accom­ with half the bouts going to "Ia belle". the US.S.R. 9-7 and then, exhau modations for spectators were excellent, to Cuba 7-9. The Soviets then tl WOMEN'S INDIVIDUAL: Cuba 10-5 to qualify. Bulgaria; Founded in 1974 in Ithaca, New York with a clear view of the entire area. The women's fencing also seemed of a Germany fought to an 8-8, 63-6: FOil INDIViDUAL: much higher quality than in the past, with null". Poland first defeated the G. THE FIRST AND ONLY SCHOOL ON THE cleaner and better controlled actions and 60 tr. and then beat Bulgaria 9- The foil event featured good solid fenc­ much less of the ugly jabbing which has Thus the Bulgarians, who placed AMERICAN CONTINENT TO OFFER A TWO ing with the technical level rather higher been so characteristic. An interesting into the individual final, were elimi YEAR COURSE LEADING TO A DIPLOMA than at the last Olympics in Montreal. sidelight was the presence of Galina two touches. Italy beat Hungary b There were far fewer simultaneous attacks Gorokova, the new President of the Soviet usual score of 8-7, being so far e IN FENCING. and the close up twisting style of infighting Fencing Federation and of Madame Oe­ touches that the last bout of thE seems to have passed out of fashion. maille, ex-world champion, who was the was not fenced. Hungary then s Now accepting applications. Candidates Superb distance control, clear and deci­ Captain of the French fencing team. 9-7 past the G.D.R. before fallin~ should write for information to: sive actions, and reprises of attacks were In the individual event, all three of the fa­ 60-48 to the U.S.S.R. In the predominant. An unfortunate accident be­ vored Soviets, Belova, Sidorova, and Soviets crushed the Italians, with ~ tween the Soviet Lapitsky and a Polish Gilizova went in the direct elimination only sabreman able to win any bo Jean-Jacques Gillet fencer resulted in a broken blade's pas­ round. Ex-World Under 20 Champion Pas­ The F.I.E. used a new electl 118 Fayette'St. sing 70 cm. into Lapitsky's body, although cale Trinquet fenced steadily losing paratus in sabre to signal the prir tem. With the first simultaneous Ithaca, New York 14850 the vital organs were spared. Editor's Note: her last bout to Wysoczanska. When Lapitsky is reported to have recovered). defeated Maros, Trinquet's title was device similar to the extensio I ..... +h ...... t: ...... J ...... j: _:" 1_.1:.. l- ___l_ nultaneous (and the warning for the at the past six Olympics I feel in a position to ut) the light was changed to a red color. make some evaluation of the scene in TECHNIQUE WITHOUT TACTICS len priority was called for, the Moscow. The effect of the Carter boycott orekeeper turned on a random flashing was negligible in fencing. The only for­ IS A DEAD END vice which determined which side got midable team missing entirely was West 3 priority. Germany. In Epee, Switzerland might have By Stanislav Bardakh (Translated by Leonid Dervbinsh 'EE INDIVIDUAL: altered the balance slightly. Italy and Great INTRODUCTION The National Fencing Championship in based on one's sharpness, alertness an As usual the Epee was the largest field. Britain did not send full teams. No other New York was the first U.S. Nationals I ever quickness as consequences of one's intu e high quality of the recent past was significant team was missing. Thus. de­ saw and I would like to share my impres­ tion, without winning by thinking. Ther stained, although no illdlViduaily uillilant spite the slightly smaller field than usual, dormance stood out. In the final Johan there was no loss of quality. In fact, the sions about it. I was pleasantly surprised exists another notion similar to "bOl Hmenberg (formerly 1974 IFA Foil smalr entry characteristic of the Olympics when I saw practically three generations sense." It is the notion of "fencing on vi~ lampion from M.I.T.) won his first four (only three men per nation) makes the fencing together and counting Senior 'on". This method of fencing is based on ,uts. When his teammate Edling, using competition more intensive and fierce right Olympics I had a chance to see four gener­ fencer reacting to something on sensin ations of American fencers. A great lor tactics, lost to the Hungarian from the start. There seemed to be an atyp­ that which he/she has seen during th llczonay 5-1, the title was settled. ically high amount of ankle injuries, possi­ number of participants were in very good bout, or using "blade feeling". If a fenCE bly because of the brand new copper physical shape and showed diverse tech­ relies mainly on the quickness of his/her rE 'EE TEAM: mesh. The fencers themselves tended to nical skills. flexes, this method completely releases In the first round Italy was not able to be very young and extremely athletic and fencer from doing any premediated ae dd a full team because of a lack of per­ fit. The highlight of the Moscow Olympics However, fencing history demonstrates tions. It is a mistake to consider these tw >l1nel and a tough Finnish squad lost a was, without doubt, the renaissance of that the ability to execute a cut or touch methods as tactics. atch with Hungary 8-8, 53-67. In the di­ French fencing. Four gold medals out of under bout conditions, no matter how ct elilllil18tions the favorite Sweden was eight, earned with head-on elan, signal a technically perfect, is very often not the locked into the bottom four by Poland new era of excellence in French fencing. most important component of showing Only when an athlete studies his/hE 6. The French steamroller literally Make no mistake, the Soviets are as good highly consistent results. As a rule the one shortcomings will he/she be able to get ri juashed all opposition; Romania fell 9-6, as ever, but the rest of the world is catch­ who is stronger tactically wins; i.e. the of them. If one has a goal, one has to a !Wait 16-0, Czechoslovakia 9-3, U.S.S.R. ing up. All in all, despite the depressing execution of one's action, carried out on tempt to use fully accumulated knowledg 3, and finally Poland 8-4, to capture the political atmosphere, the organization of the basis of one's understanding, shows and experience of other leading coache old. the competition was superb and the fenc­ one's tactical level. and fencers. One's winning 01 losing w Having observed intimately the fencing ing a pleasure to watch. depend on that. With this in mind it i Many athletes fence on so called "bout necessary to have correct balance betwee sense". I define "bout sense" as a fencing volume and intensity of the training process

Mental Evaluation Mental Evaluation .JIll Of Continuing '"'!II[ Of The Next Action An Action

~~ ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE - A FULL t \ ~ RANGE OF SIZES AND STYLES. Perception And Preparation For Result Mental Decision Analysis Of Bout Carrying Out On Tactics Conditio:l Tactical Action THE UNIFORM PREFERRED BY ~~ WORLD AND OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS.

YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF! ..... Carrying Out JIll" SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FENCERS EQUIPMENT CO. Tactical Action 5335 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90029 Lei's call the logical connection between skills to conduct a fight in a conflic.t situa­ 1980 METROPOLITAN WOMEN'S a elements of movement "tactical think­ tion, taking into consideration the oppo­ J (mentality)." As athletes perfect them­ nents' actions, intentions, technical and in­ dves, the means and methods of their dividual abilities. EPEE OPEN SABRE OPEN lining process change and at the same Ie "tactical thinking" matures, including "Tactical thinking" is a goal-oriented By Denise O'Connor Jncentration. Specific problems appear searching system among many possible Chair, National Women's Epee and Sabre CommitteE Id are resolved in the course of many solutions which chooses the most suitable History was made at 9:45 P.M. on June All participants must qualify through their d 'ars of training. And it is disappointing if one in the specific bout conditions for the 27 at Manhattan College when Dr. Jane visions. Women's sabre will continue as a I athlete having all the necessary charac­ best results. Littmann defeated Peggy Walbridge 5-2 in open event. 'istics approaches the problems of train­ her last bout of the final round to win the Epee J. Littmann 4-1; G.Massiala 3-~ in a simple minded mechanical way; J In a bout each fencer must reflect on the Metropolitan Women's Epee Open and an +3, 17TR; P. Walbridge 3-2, +:: " by only perfecting technique and in­ thinking action of his/her opponent. This is "A" classification Dr. Littman, who repre­ 17TR; M. Adrian 2-2, 0; easing the training load. The latter will represented systematically by phases: sents the Palmetto Fencing Society of the Goldthwaite 2-2, -5; T. Yelton 1-~ )t insure successful training. Further Piedmont Division, is the first and only (Fence-off Massiala del. Wa owth has to be achieved by perfecting "Tactical Thinking" is perfected by prac­ Class "A" female epee fencer in the world. bridge 2-5) a integration of his/his physical, techni­ ticing on specially directed tasks in the in­ A Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Wil­ ii, tactical and psychological training. dividual lessons, doing exercises with a liam S. Hall Psychiatric Institute in Colum­ Sabre: R. Boteman 4-1; J. Littmann 3-~ hile watching fencers during a competi­ partner, and also in bout practices where bia, South Carolina, Dr. Littmann was the +9; B. Higgins 3-2, 0, C Davis 3< In it is possible to determfine the level of most typical versions of an opponent's be­ winner of the 1979 Western Classic Wo­ -1; L. Goldthwaite 2-2; D. Knoblac air technical skills; is it not similarly pos­ havior are selected. men's Epee held at the site of the AFLA 1-5. )Ie to determine the level of their tactical To Be Continued National Championship in Colorado ills? Springs. ~.. ~i Bardokh coache$ dilJ teaches [ellcing <1: ",aliuu$ clubs and Christina Massiala, representing the ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP 'Tactical thinllillg" can be understood as ;n tilu NeV\i YOfK City dliJc He wos a cuuca- Pannonia Athletic Club, defeated 1975 in Odessa, USSR and, for almost ten MEETING MINUTES " theory of conducting a fencing bout. N.IW.FA Intercollegiate Foil Champion, :(: ~ho U.S last year, he was Head is theory is inseparably connected with Peggy Walbridge, Cornell Fencing Club, in The 1980 Annual Meeting of the membe 3 techniques of fencing "Tactical think­ Coach 0r tllB a fence-off for second. Both women were ship of the AFLA was held June 28, 1980 , J" in a fencing bout represents special Soviet Union" awarded "B" classifications. Marlene Ad­ Draddy Gym Room #210 Manhattan Cc rian, Lewis and Clark, placed fourth on in­ lege Bronx, New York. The meeting was cc ..-. dicators over Texan, Lois Goldthwaite. led to order by Executive Vice President W '-- 12€" 1111 on P0111t5- Twenty year old, Tracy Yelton, Salle Sebas­ liam A. Goering at 4:10 PM. Officers presei tiani, a member of the 1980 World Junior William A. Goering, Executive Vice Pre~ Team and sixth place finalist in the wo­ dent; Eleanor Turney Secretary; Emi ' 'C"'TM"'./--"~.!>C.q:W "" '.,- .. men's foil final, placed sixth in the epee Johnson, President elect; William Latzk, ret£ . ~ event. Treasurer elect. Ruth Botenran, California State­ 11€t.U t='ROm F~~nc€- Northridge, suffered one loss to Cat Davis There were 15 members present with ;:: in the final round of the Metropolitan Wo­ proxies, _2 ut5/~I1:Cfj _~~n't look nuKIJfrmt - insult, dtey rc real~ ~w! men's Sabre Open in winning the event and a "B" classification. In a three way tie for 1. The minutes were approved as put second place, Jane Littmann was awarded lished in the September/October 1979 issL FOIL: J;,.,J n-inEB Y,'~1N1yOt[ Ekctrt< J 36."" of the Miami International Fencing Club and 31 #1. by voice vote. apart iN •• A'",,, , FER. fremise, redouble ADVICE TO MANAGERS FOR MORE etc.) c) Watch for whip-overs: if the I ENJOYABLE SABRE TOURNAMENTS which the attack ends is close( A. Make sure that you arrive at the tour- attack is parried and contact of t nament site with an up-to-date copy of the tacking blade with the targel rulebook and with at least one copy of this whip-over; whip-overs do not ' ADVICE (bring several copies and lay as valid hits. (do not give h them out where the fencers can see them; handed fencers bonus points by suggest to your divisional executive com­ "YES" on whipovers.) mittee that it mail copies of this ADVICE d) When asked for your vote by t along with the schedule of events at the rector, limit your responses to start of the fencing season). NO, ABSTAIN, and OFF TARGET B. After the check-in is complete, set up e) Fit what you saw happen into t 1QRO (J S NAtinnAI (;hAmninn,hins nhntn hv Rrll"p Rpnkn "..-." , .. .-...-...... !,.., ...... ,-J. .... _ ... 1""'" ~ +h.fta_ ...... ar~n.n ror-tnr'c rOl'nnctn I('tinn nf tho ::=:!r you absolutely cannot fit it in, abstain - continuously get ever closer to the priority); iii) "attack, followed by a re­ the bout committee and let the cor don't "argue" with the director about target. mise" (i.e. a badly directed "beat" - tee handle the matter. what happened. iv) For an action to count as an at­ the riposte or counterattack has prior- f) After an action, make up your mind tack, the fencer must execute it from iv) "point in line; an attack on the D. After conducting the 10-minute followed by a remise" (i.e. a quickly about how you are going to vote within fencing distance - two sion", announce the pools and ge (YES, NO, ABSTAIN, OFF TARGET); fencers are within fencing distance badly executed attempt to deviate the tournament going. If any complaints or point in line the line retains its prior­ then stick to your decision your first if they can touch blades by merely tests come up during the fencing, extending their arms (fencing dis­ ity); v) "a meeting of the blades, fol­ impression is usually the most trustwor­ them to your bout committee. lowed by continuations from both thy one. tance is approximately advance­ E. At the end of the tournament, \ lunge distance). Closing from out of sides" (the principle of "forte to foi­ you call everyone together for the a", 3. ADVICE TO DIRECTORS (and fencers) • distance to fencing distance is part of ble" is not clear, so it is only a ques­ ceremony, call for a vote of thanks fl a) In analyzing fencing actions, identify the preparation, not part of the attack tion of time on the continuations; they officials and helpers (directors, juc them in the manner recommended by were either simultaneous or one was - while the out-of-distance fencer is scorekeepers, timekeepers, and merr the US. Fencing Officials Commis­ initiated clearly ahead of the other). closing to within fencing distance, the of the bout committee). Try to get an sion (see the GUIDELINES published other fencer has time to establish a j) Pay attention to the strip boundaries; mal tradition set up (with some help in American Fencing, May/June point-in-line position if he so desires. when a fencer steps over the side or your divisional executive committee 1980). e) Watch out for actions that bounce off the end boundaries line, call "Halt" your senior fencers) whereby the winr b) Distinguish between point in line and the guard (see item 2. b); call them as immediately. the tournament, after getting his av stop hit with the point. For the point in two actions - attack or counterattack k) Remember where you called "Halt" in calls for a vote of thanks for the manac line to have priority over an attack, the or whatever and remise. an action and don't analyze beyond the competition. - line must be established before the f) Remember that an action on the blade that paint. (For example; if you call attack begins. An action with the (with the exception of the glide-thrust) "Halt" on an attack, you can allow an (We must keep reminding the fencers point that is initiated after the attack is not part of the attack - it is part of immediate riposte since it was pre­ they owe to the manager and the offi begins is not a point in line, it is a the preparation. A properly executed sumably initiated simultaneously with and the helpers.) stop ilit with the point - to be valid it action on the blade gives the user the "Halt", but if no touch is awarded must land a full tempo ahead of the priority for the ensuring attack. on the attack or the riposte, you If you will follow this advice and alv landing of the attack. g) Watch out for sloppy execution When should not continue the analysis into conduct to 10-minute "session" at the c) Stress the basics there is a meeting of the blades, remises or counterripostes since of each sabre tournament, you can eXI i) The simple attack - the fencer apply the principle of "forte against these actions must have been in­ in time, to see improvement in must be reaclling out and trying to foible" (forte - lower third of the blade, itiated after the "Halt".) sportsmanship of the competitors, ir land a hit (the cutting edge or point foible upper two-thirds of the balde). I) Enforce the rules - apply the applop­ alertness of the officials, and in the e must be winging toward the target). i)A "beat" against the forte of the riate penalty for each and every ment for all concerned of your sabre ii) The feint the fencer must make blade does not count as a beat; it is infraction of the rules. naments. it seem that he is trying to land a hit treated as an attack against the 4. ADVICE TO FENCERS edge or point must "look blade, followed by a remise or redou­ toward the target). blement a) If the director misquotes or misapplies Tile article he" been JIJPw.Joc1 by the AFLA is not a simple at­ ii)ln attempting to deviate a point in the rules or if he adds up the votes of Off:c,Qis Mr Tykodi is Profe~S()F of Chemi~ tack,a line or a feint is either prepara- line, a "beat" or a "scrape" on the the jury incorrectly, call the matter to his Assistol!lt Coach at Southeastern Massachus€ veL:.:ty. i40rlh DJ.:tmouUl, Mass. tion or invitation, and an attack (by forte of the blade or a prime-parry attention and get the pOint settled im­ the opponent) on the preparation prise de fer with the weak part of the mediately (call in the bout committee, if has the priority blade (foible) against the forte of the necessary) - before going on with the d) Remember that in-line blade - none of the these at­ fencing. necessarily the same tempts deviate the blade sufficiently b) Do not debate with the director those ing. to merit getting the priority for the en­ decisions for which he has sole re­ i) Those fencers who lunge with- S,Jring attack. sponsibility the director's decision out cutting are not attacking. iii) The defending fencer can es­ (even if objectively "wrong") is final. ii) A fencer charging do.wn the strip cape from a poorly executed (too Accept these occasional officiating 4-- or "showirlg" his blade or slow or too wide) prise de fer and "malfunctions" with good grace; ing in "windshield wiper" launch an attack on the preparation, your energies into fencing, not movements with the blade is not at- which has priority complaining. tacking. h) When there is a meeting of the c) If a director consistently misapplies iii) For an attack with feints (compo­ blades, tell the jury what you saw for the rules, if you are sure that an official site attack) to mairltairl its priority dur­ example i) "beat and attack" (the at­ (judge or director) is showing bias or ing the execution, it is necessary that tack has priority); ii) "a taking of the favoritism toward some fencers - in the blade show progression - that it blade and attack" (the attack has either case, register a complaint with AN APPRECIATION OF MAESTRO MENYHERT KADAR By A/an Ru, The retirement of Maestro Kadar is a seri­ and again our fencers have been fou ous loss to fencing. Fencers allover the wanting. country have come to know the Maestro Today, too few of our fencing coaches E and to seek his counsel and assistance able to give the kind of "competitive lessor and the number of coaches over the years that is now customary in most of the worle who have called upon the Maestro for ad­ fencing centers. Most coaching in the L vice on their teaching skills, are legion. He ited States proceeds as an exercise in "s has been tireless and unfailingly wrlling to tics." The instructor calls for an action a help fencers regardless of their affiliation. attempts to correct the fencer's exec uti or Who shall take his place? it. Thus, the lesson consists entirely a Maestro Kadar is that rare coach who was series of simple exercises. Typically, eE not only trained by a recognized Master, but "phrase" in the lesson is limited to one or t who proved his skills at the highest level of actions, for example, a disengage-Iun international competition. How manv active made by the pupil, a parry and riposte by coaches are there remaining in the instructor and a final parry and count States today who can claim such a by the pupil. There is, of cour background? 1980 National Championships, Men's Foil Fina/s, Greg Massia/as (left) photo by Bruce Repko in such exercises, but a lesson com It is of course true that we are fortunate in of them is inadequate training CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS IN THE U.S.: 1980 - 1981 having so many coaches, competition amateur coaches, who give generously There is no way in such a lesson N. AM. themselves to train fencers for competitive evaluate and improve a fencer's perf DATE EVENT CIRCUIT PLACE WEAPON fencing. They are particularly effective at the mance under competitive conditions. elementary and intermediate levels in pro­ The competitive lesson, by contrast, Dec. 7 Kadar Open XX Cleveland, OH S vidina instruction in basic fencing tempts to simulate the conditions of an i Dec. 7 Csiszar Open XX Phila, PA E introducing fencers to notions of tual bout. It consists of the instructor initi Dec. 13 Michel Alaux XX New York, NY WF fencing tactics and strategies, and inculcat­ ing or inviting the initiation of an action by j Dec. 14 Michel Alaux XX New York, NY MF ing the virtues of physical coridilioning. pupil without announcing the action in , Jan. 10 D'Asaro Open XX San Jose, CA WF However, when we move to preparation vance so that the fencer is required to fI Jan 11 D'Asaro Open XX San Jose, CA MF for participation in major international compe­ ognize and respond to the opportunit Jan. 18 Piller Open XX New York, NY S tition, we aspire to impart to our representa­ presented. The lesson incorporates a ser Feb. 7 Mardi Gras Open XX New Orleans, LA S tiv~ the highest level of technique and of continuous actions executed at hi Feb. 14-16 National U-20, U-16 Champs. Cleveland, OH MF, WF, S, E skills. Perhaps we can count the number of speed The instructor controls, through Feb. 2/22 Pentalhlon Open San Antonio, TX E instructors equipped for this task on the fin­ superior technique, the practice, noting ( Mar. 6,7 ECAC Coil. Champs Phila, PA MF,S,E gers of one hand. ficiencies in the fencer's execution-Are Mar. 14 Portland Open XX Portland, OR MF In domestic competition fencers who pos­ movements too wide? Is his riposte e Mar. 14 AIAW Regionals In AIAW Regions WF sess physical superiority over other com­ Is his feint too obviously a nc Mar. 19-21 NCAA Men's Coil. Champs. U. Wisc.-Parkside MF,S,E petitors may succeed although their threat? Is he too slow in Mar. 22 Helene Mayer XX Oakland, CA WF technique is faulty. An advantage in "reach," of an opponent's erro(! Is he Mar. 27-29 AFLA International New York, NY S-"A" quickness of reflex or speed afoot mav be vary flrs speed and timing appropriately Mar. 28 General Dynamics Open XX Los Angeles, CA E for victory. But at the the situation? Mar. 29 General Dynamics Open Los Angeles, CA ET compeUiorl will~ the members of the Only a coach with extraordinary abilit Apr. 2-4 AIAW Wom. Call. Champs. Notre Dame, IND WF of the major fencing powers, that can successfully conduct such a less< Apr. 12 Csiszar Open XX Phila, PA WF disappears. Our fencers will be Maestro Kadar was one such. How mE Apr 16-20 WorkJ Under-20 Champs. TBA MF, WF, S, E opponents who are at least equally others do we have? Where shall we ob!' Apr. 19 EASTER/PASSOVER talented. What is more, thev will more? Apr. 25 Cherry Blossom XX Fairfax, VA MF up against fencers who are at In a popJlation of well over 200,000,00C ""pr 26 Cherry Blossom XX Fairfax, VA E equally strongly motivated, equally dedi­ is perhaps a sad commentary that the l ""pr. 26 New Jersey Open XX New Jersey S cated and equally clever in the choice of ited States is able to count less than 10,C Jun 20-27 US NATIONAL CHAMPS. Ft. Worth, TX and tactics. Time and again, it has active fencers. But we are not likely to s July 2-13 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS France that the decisive factor in a bout nificantly expand our base without also ( July 24-29 USOC Sports Festival Syracuse, NY of the technique of one Ig our coaching staff. Nor, are Ann it i~ hprp th"t timp tn ~rhip\IP <:::1 rrr(.':lC::C:: in intprn::::ltir\l )erformance-and by success I mean the thanks to the expanded role of the United vinning of a medal in WOlld Championship States Olympic Committee in supporting DIRECTING TECHNIQUES )r Olympic competition-unless we develop development activities. Given our present )r recruit sufficient numbers of coaches and expected future funding base, we need By Wilham Goe ~apable of training fencers to win at the in­ to blueprint how we can increase and im­ Chairman, Fencing Officials Commis, ernational level. prove our coaching resources so as to be In a previous article, techniques that Find the attack -- See abOVE The task we face is formidable. The United able to move fenCing from an esoteric exer­ apply to all weapons were discussed. foil. States is rouQlily the size of the entire conti­ cise reserved for the few to a sport partici­ Some that are specific to particular Analyze the complete phrase lent of Europe, yet there are more coaches pated in by the many. When we have weapons are: fore pollillg jury - Sabre dil n virtually every one of the major European actlieved tflis condi~ion, then we will achieve • Foil from foil in that the analysis iencing powers than there are in the entire our share of the glories of international vic­ Watch the fencers, not the touch award are separate. Tel Jnited States. tories. machine. Position yourself to look jury your concept of the er Of course, the AFLA has not been oblivi­ Our task then is two-fold To increase the through the competitors' blades to phrase, not just one action JUS to the problem, and creation of a Na­ number of fencing coaches throughout the the machine, but concentrate on time. Avoid the word parry in ional Coaching Staff represents one at­ country and to increase the number of our the blades. Check yourself fre­ analysis, because it may sway deal with it. What we haven't had the coaches who have the necessary skills to quently to make certain you are not judges. of, as yet, is a long-range com­ provide instruction at the international com­ focusing on the lights. Identify blade meeting -- It is xehensive plan to provide American fenc- petitive level. Find the attack Analyses for Jury President's job to define ng with tlie killd of illstructional sUPfJort that The retirement of Menyhart Kadar di­ which the President can find the at­ attacks or "prise de fer" and s essential for its development. Such a plan minishes our sport. It should also serve to tacker are easily handled. Any must not be left to the judge's )ught to speak in terms of specific goals and stimulate us to get moving now to assuring movements that are not considered cretion. For example, the s )f timetables for achieving these goals. It that 11is kind of efforts will be continued and attacks can be dispensed with by phrase may be analyzed as " Juglit to identify Wlltl fJarticularly the means multiplied throughout the country. the phrase "In the preparation". attack" or "attack, riposte, rei He must use and the procedures we must Alan Ruben is a former president of the AFLA Include priority and result in your of attack" depending on the P 'ollow. analysis - Since the machine de­ dent's concept of the initial b Never before in the history of American cides validity, the President can in­ meeting. Once the President 'encing have we had so many financial re­ clude this information in the decided, the jury must accep sources at our disposal as we do now, analysis and avoid repeating it. For President's decision. Even if example, "attack no, riposte yes, do not concur with the Presid ~ remise off target, touch right"; or analysis, judges may not abs "attack off target, no touch". but must faithfully report the va Use economical terms -- It is of hits. easier to say "attack, no" than "at­ Vote on validity -- Exercise Fencer In Motion tack, parried" altllough the latter is 1 V2 votes after polling the jU( 74 KT. SOLID GOLD AND HANDCRAFTED not incorrect. Also "no touch" or when you have a definite opil especially to resolve yes-no PRICES GUARANTEED THROUGH 12/80 "no score" is more precise than flicts or when only one judge \ Depending on Availability of Gold done", since you wouldn't if nothing had occurred. and you believe an injustice Limit your analyses to the pertinent result. SEND NO CASH PLEASE actions by saying "In the final Cashier Check or Money Order Only. phrase". • Epee Allow 4 to 6 Weeks for Delivery. .------Although analyses are not required when Stay alert - Epee officiating is EXACT SIZE only one light is on, foil Jury Presidents are easy just because there are I MAIL TO: GOLDEN JOY P.O. BOX 356 right-of-way decisions. Instea( advised to analyze simple phrases. For : SO. PASADENA, CALIF. 91030 myriad of technical rules musl 1 'IS mm Charm $265.00 I example, "attack no, counter attack yes, 1 mm Charm $195.00 : I HAVE ENCLOSED S FOR touch right". These do not waste time, but applied properly. To stay a focus on the fencing and be Smaller Size $89.00 : (NO.) COPIES OF THE FENCER assist concentration and tend to relax the pared to call halt immediately"" competitors. : IN MOTION. INDICATE SIZE _____ required. This solid gold charm in the clas­ I Allow the fencers time to see I • Sabre sic pose makes a great gift that : NAM E ______machine after a touch award­ will become a family heirloom as : ADD RESS ______- Watch the competitors' arms - not allow the timer or scorekec well as an inflationary hedge. : CITY, ______Focus between the weapons as for to reset the machine until you foil, but since sabre distances are "ready" for the next phrase. Price includes handling, insur­ : STATE, ZIP. ______greater, stay somewhat further from Establish a routine for the eq ance and postage. I the strip. ment check -- Since a camp weapons check is carried out be~ fore each bout. a routine speeds "Where Young Champions the ploceeding and gives the Get their start competitiors confidence. COMING ATTRACTIONS Watch the touches off the strip - And coaches get Ttlese are tough to see. especially Results KADAR SABRE OPEN event, (4) rank/classification, (5) club a those made by the fencer leaving ation, (6) check payable to "Kadar Sa the side of the strip. The inaugural KADAR SABRE OPEN will Open." Sponsored by the MIDWEST S be held Sunday, December 7, 1980 and TION - AFLA. ORSI__~"'Ii~ fl feature a NATIONAL CIRCUIT MEN'S All of the above techniques will help your . - \J FOOl"IDl'D 1967 Jfficiating, but none is as important as SABRE event and a WOMEN'S OPEN CSISZAR OPEN :oncentration. This cannot be taught, but OFFERS: SABRE event (as a prelude to the Women's yOU must find youl own methods to focus Sabre at the 1981 Nationals). The competi~ The Gladius SOciety and Fencing Tee )n the job at hand and filter out the • INSTRUCTION tion will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at the of the University of Pennsylvania annoul lumerous distractions present at fencing Hollenden House Hotel where a limited the Lajos Csiszar Open Epee Tournam, tournaments. Practice is the best teacher. • CLUB FACILITIES number of rooms have been reserved. A to be held December 6 & 7, 1980 in Hut Most officials will find they improve in tour~ • INTENSIVE SUMMER dinner party ($10 to $15 per person) will be inson Gym of the University. Since naments that last severa! days, especially held Saturday night December 6 at 8:00 Csiszar Open Epee is on the AFLA N( if they think about their techniques and WORKSHOPS PM America Circuit, fencers placing high in concentration. Entries fees are $10.00 with a $500 late field will receive AFLA international te • CUSTOM EQUIPMENT fee for entries received after November 21, points. SALES 1980. Requests for entlY and hotel reserva~ Fencers holding AFLA internatio tion information should be addressed to points, current A~ranked fencers and We CONTACT: Frank P. Nagorney, 17613 Scottsdale U~20 team members will qualify directl) 395 UNION AVENUE Blvd., Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120 (Phone the final rounds on December 7. The ~ 216~283~8341 or 216~781~2166). All entries mainder of the field will be determined must include (1) name, (2) address. (3) qualifyillg rounds on December 6, wr

(PAID ADVERTISEMENT) KADAR SABRE OPEN ENTRY FORM

Name Club

Address Event Rank __ Men's Sabre (930 A.M.) __ Women's Sabre (12:00 P.M.) Check in 30 minutes prior to scheduled starting time.

Hollenden Hotel Reservation: __Single ($29.00) __Double ($36.00) __Dinner ($10 to $15) $10 Entry fee ($5 late fee after Nov. 21,1980); make check payable to "Kadar SabrE Open" and mail to Frank Nagorney, 17613 Scottsdale Blvd., Shaker Heights, Ohic 44120. "/ enter these events at my own risk and release the Midwest Section, the AFLA and/or their sponsors and officials from any liability."

'980 National Championships, Manhattan College, Men's Foil Finals, Greg Massaialas (right) photo by ______Signature of Fencer Jruce Reoko are open to all AFLA member competitors, Contact including collegiate, class B, C, and un­ Natalie Goodhartz classified fencers. 34 E. Wautoma Beach Rd. Technical Entry fee is $10.00. All entries must be Hilton, New York 14468 postmarked by Nov. 20. Late entries will be 716 392-3598 (H) accepted only for the qualifying rounds, by Joe Byrnes witli a $5.00 late fee. Automatic qualifiers 395-2579 (0) Talks to final rounds (Dec. 7) must enter on time or they will be required to qualify by com­ Not electrical sabre againl For some­ and two kinds of socket, or a new de peting in the preliminary rounds (Dec 6). thing that isn't even here yet, it does get type, will be needed inside the guard To enter, send name, address, phone, KANSAS OPEN talked about. However, the race to get an The interesting point, about whiet classification and club, with check, to electrical sabre system accepted is heat­ manufacturer is being rather cagey, i~ Csiszar Open Entries HAllOWEEN CLASSIC ing up again. In fact the present situation, the sending module appears to be c/o Dave Micahnik, Fencing Coach The Kansas Division and the University in its own small way, with less money at sensitive to vibration along the lir Weightman Hall, E/7 stake, is beginning to resemble that with of Missouri-Kansas City are sponsoring the genuine old-fashioned cuts or COl University of Pennsylvania home TV recorders, or the way that 45 rpm Kansas Open Halloween Classic to be cuts, with less likelihood of going 0 Philadelphia, PA 19104 vs 331/3 rpm records had it out years ago. held on November 1 in Men's Foil and flats, and none of showing mere brush Make checks payable to: "Glad ius Society The system described in one of these Women's Epee and November 2 in Men's a laid-on blade. That almost does ; - Univ. of Pennsylvania." All AFLA rules will columns a few issues back was the only Epee and Women's Foil. The tournament with the need for the rewriting of the d be enforced, including masks inspection game in town at first, but now has competi­ tion of a sabre cut that was, neverthE will be held in Swinney Gym on the UMKC and proper uniforms. Locker rooms and tion. You'll remember (who am I flattering legislated some two years ago (look i campus. The UMKC club will also host a showers are provided, but fencers should here: you or me?) that the system de­ ticle 409 in the Supplement to the Hallween party on Saturday evening for all provide towels and locks. scribed then made the whole blade a "hot BOok). fencers. For more information (including Schedule Saturday, Dec. 6 wire" and anything (traditional cut or You may ask, what about the mal-pc housing) contact: 9:00 AM Check in & equipment counter-cut, or flat slap, or brush past, or whipover with this system? Well, a gel check Bill Little (Div Chmn) you-name-it) would give a signal on the mal-pare would show as a valid toue 1000 AM Fencing begins 3945 St. John opponent's metallized target. The machine that the vibration showing contact yo 700-900 AM Equipment check for Kansas City, MO 64123 had as many lights as a Christmas tree (8, come at the same time as the contaci Sunday competitors (816) 231-2461 actually) and showed not only good Sunday, Dec. 7 straight thrusts or cuts, but also any sort of Kristy Lake (UMKC) 830 AM Check in & equipment contact with the target that happened at check 16 W. 37th St., Apt. 12 the same time as the opponent's blade met 930 AM Fencing begins Kansas City, MO 64111 the attacker's: mal-pare, whipover, glide, (816) 931-4858 plaque, or good thrust against opposition. No Off-targets could be shown. Regular foil body cords and sockets are used. 1980 GORGIO SANTELLI COLORADO Now there's a whole new system in con­ TROPHY MEET tention. This one shares the metallized sur­ INVITATIONAL face and no off-target, but the blade is The annual Giorgio Santelli Trophy Meet February 7 & 8 1981 grooved like an electric foil down the back, will again be hosted in the spacious facilities with what looks like a conventional foil of the State Ulliversity College at Brockport, Sponsored for the first time by the Pikes point at the end (single wire system): that's a few miles west of Rochester, New York. Peak Fencing League at the United States just for the thrusts. That blade will obvi­ Last year, Todd Kern, from Ohio State re­ Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. ously have to be heavier than most sabre ceived a "C" rating for his first place finish in blades have been made recently. I defy men's foil, and July Smith, from Penn State, Men and Women, all three weapons Re­ anyone to succeed in grinding a groove was awarded a "B" rating for winning the gistration $3.00, each weapon $4.00. down the back of the present minimum women's foil event. COLORADO INVITATIONAL T-Shirts op­ (1.2 mm) thickness of sabre blade-safely. FENCING EQUIPMEN tional, $5.00, state size at time of entry. Cuts will be registered, it seems, by a Schedule combination of the blade meeting the op­ (imported from France, Ita Saturday, 22 November For information and entries, send to: De­ ponent's target with a vibration transmitted Germany, Japan, etc.) Women's Foil 900 am bbie Moyer, 2563 E. San Miguel, Colorado by a "sensing module" plugged into a Men's Epee 11:00 am Springs, CO 80909. (303) 471-0526; or special socket inside the sabre guard. The .Joseph Vince Co. Sunday 23, November Kathy Goodall, 1229 E. LaSalle St., Col­ system comes with four such modules, two 15316 S. CRENSHAW BLVD. orado Springs, CO 80907. (303) 471-7950. pairs: one for the fencers on the strip, and GARDENA, CALIF. 90249 Men's Foil 900 am Checks payable to COLORADO INVITA- the other pair for those on deck, and so on TEL: (213) 323-2370 321-6568 327-0238 \/\/Arnon'c 1=1'>00. 11·nn ...... TIf'\f\I/\ I ~!t~rn::ttp!\1 !=()il horhf rnrrlc:; ~HP ::::liQn ! IQ,::.'lri the valid surface; the machine is internally politics are doubtless fierce; the designs adjustable down to very fast time differ­ come from different countries. And maybe, TIMES, STOPS AND EVASION ences- a good deal faster than the dou­ though I wouldn't bet on it, somebody may ble tOUdl in epee, it seems. The machine come up with another version with distinct by Arthu does it in this system, and the director and advantages. Anyway, if there is to be elec­ All of these are counter attacks. more cause movement of the upper body, the judges are spared sorting out the trical sabre, one would expect to see it often than not one-shot and risky. Though as the blade is really all forward. The meaning of all those white lights as in the tried out at a World Championship before they can be done in sabre they apply more favors the term "stop-lunge," but this competing version. As for whipovers, again the next Olympics: that means 1983 as a practically to the point-thrusting weapons standard. the machine's internal adjustments will take reasonable year to watch for it. as dealt with here. They are not things one The lunge "backward," simply exte care of them. I suspect that Wllipovers will opponents. (Such rear leg without shifting weight to it. be considerably reduced ill incidence, be­ open for them. and the blade out at the same time, thre cause (1) the blades will be heavier and then most often as an ambush.) They are rear arm down and lean forward 0\ presumably less flexible, and (2) the sens­ effective. and most safely used, a front knee, which should also have ing module will read the vibration of the poor opponents _ .. those who have little more forward. (The "passata sot parry before the touch on valid surface, ficient command of technique or too little backward lunge with the reat hand and prevent the latter from going off. This There are hordes of these. floor, an all-or-nothing spectaculariz adjustment is definitely variable: at a evasions. These are dodging ac­ End in a balanced lunge position wh couple of demonstrations at the FIE Con­ tions that avoid. hopefully. an attack. and fers control of further footwork, forw gress in Paris in May, the speed and reac­ simultaneously stick one's oDDonent. If a back, or in-fighting in place. Rota tion was altered between showings, ac­ double hit results. body if it feels right, but not to the cording to witnesses. Thus the machine renditior: of combat that balance or later movement is stl needs only two lights: red and green. And tacker over the evader. E.vasion must Then, if one's point misses, or if the again, since the blades will not be so flexi­ complete the hit must be "one light,' or was an ambush, the phrase d'armE ble, there will be little chance of flicking in the evader invariably suffers. be picked up and continued. an "electronic parry" Witll the foible, espe­ Discounting differences in reach, there The evasion to the inside (avoid in cially sideways, where- the cut-sensing 1980 National Championships Awards are three ways to evade to either side. and on one's outside) is sometimes taugl module might not "read" it. Presentation-Sabre Individual Peter Westbrook downwards. The simplest is the "inquar­ reverse inquartata. In terms of boo It will remain to be seen which system (left), Csaba Elthes (right) photo by Bruce tata.' This has nothing to do with the parry chanics this is a difficult movement; gets the nod, and when. The upper level Repko of "quarte." a French term. The Italian trans­ one in a poor position in event lates best as "quarter turn." It is used when combat. one perceives that the final of the attack For this evasion the writer prefers Il may be a near miss on one's inside as sidewards. Epee fencers often do th PRIEUR when the attacker swings his entire arm to an angulated hit to the forearm (Imre position his point. "Epee Fencing. "). In foil, it works SPORTS To execute the inquartata simply swing opponent cooperate the rear leg to the uulside just far er,uugh to exposure of his flank, poo TWO CENTURIES OF EXPERIENCE turn the body some tl',:,:y control, and a big telegram. Simply n Ai YOUR SERVICE PARIS Stand up somewhat since short in counter-attack with U line from the center of fifteen to dE impetus. Body weight to one's inside of the fencing DISTRIBUTORS the rear leg sliylltly over the stomach; and let the, ment. thus rotating one's hand turn, naturally but minimally, t Sudre Fencinl' Co. American Fencers Peto Fencing Co. the same time, reach out and pin the at­ prOllation in a manner to facilitate acc S Westwood Knoll Supply 3696 St. Andre tacker. If the body rotates too much. or if the Again, land in a balanced Ithaca, N. Y. 1180 Folsom SI. Montreal, .P. Q. rear arm. swung to assist the movement, which the phrase can be turns the ful. 14850 San FranCiSCO, CA. Canada Warning: Aside from riskiness, a 94103 trol and any subsequent difficult. sions are habit-forming. Don't practicE A dO\\ii.vsrd evasion can be achieved overmuch. Southern California Fencers Equipment the so-called A stop, stop thrust, is precisely t 5335 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, Calif. 90029 thrust designed to stop an attack. Herewith a maestro story The late FOUNDED IN 1788 Halt)erstadt fouaht numerous Mer OLDEST MANUFACTURER OF FENCING EQUIPMENT No one needs a description of squatting. (student duels If it works, fine. If not, it's a poor position for university years in pre-WWI IN THE WORLD further action. The name "backward" was cool there then. He was goo

1".--.-...... " j,...... """"' ..... +h;,....,.-. ,-.,.;. r'> you get your lunge down ,to where you know variety of attacks, I'd make a beQt lunge, or a tense continuing pressure, that it's always going to come out where you one-two, or a beat disengage. But then I King said, "We might be able to I want it to," would go back to the pressure disengage, one good fencer at a time, but whe King will tell of the hours she has dedi­ and then a of more actions, and then after another come at you, it's difficult' cated to working out at the gym, Three and the pressure Because it's not She elucidated the problem of Eur four times a week, only learning how to execute it. it's learning fencing using her own experience, "Gym work increases your speed, Most WHEN to execute it." continent as an example. people uon't believe that, but it's true, Be­ "If you out and do just pressure disen- "In a six-man final I might win my fi cause, particularly as your leg muscle de­ all you're not bouts, then it starts to get to you. I don'l velops strength, you're able to get off the pu: the foil and talKed about one fear".1 mean Just the actual physical mark You're able to seize that frac- more important factor besides footwork and sure of having that level thrown at ye a second in wllich your eye sees the "I think the closest analogy I can rr and command your body to per­ I finished second at that it's like drivillg a car at about 7C action with some hope that it's the nationals, am prouder of that per­ miles per hour, You can handle thE to suceed," formance than any I have ever put in, A ten­ curves, But, when the field starts to m In champion's viewpoint, a bout is don in my fencing hand was severed in the 110 miles per hour - and you are u composed of two elements: the set up and semi-finals. I hate to quit, so I went on to the moving at 75 - you have a real the executio'l, Anu ooth require sturdy foot­ finals, I could not parry".1 could not make The pressure on you to maintain at work, any maneuver except a straight lunge, All I becomes enormous, You be c "If I try to set you up to make a disengage used was distance," handle it on a straight away, one luriye on you, I'm gOillg to try and maneuver asked, "So you won on just straight at­ get into a corner you've got to back ( YOu and maneuver you ulll:! I can get you at tacks and distance?" cause you are not used to handling i my perfect distance, To do that requires "Mainly distance." she answered, I slid It's necessary to drive the course ov stamina; it a good eye and the con- down the bench a few inches. over again at 110 miles per hour, "un fidence to that when I execute that She corltinued with the kind of stressed can bring yourself to the level of the attack it won't be my execution that screws ear hears in capital the field." me up but, maybe, your parry, " letters, "THE OF FENCERS "This doesn't mean your car is wors The gym was for footwork in King's HAVE VERY POOR DISTANCE.·· every other one on the track, It means' Harriet King is a 4 time national champion, a com­ schedule, and the club was essentially for One last pool was finishing up, and we got to get used to that leve!." petitor on 4 Olympic teams and 4 Pan American technique, She did very little watched the end of a bout Referring to a na­ In the early 1970's when King t teams, at the salle, Bouts were in competi­ tional meet in which the director missed her Europe the Russian coaches suggestE Wiler, I irlterviewed Harriet King we sat in a King, And the club was for drills, parry riposte and which, she estimates, cost train with the team. She had a succ restaur ,lilt eaLrlY :urlch, She I'.ore business practice, following drills, following her a 5th national championship, she said, tour there, making the finals of two clothes as did I. The time to converse was practice "I asked my coach about that (the direct­ competitions in Hungary and Englanc I:mited because we both had to get back to "Free fencing-that doesn't do it What it ing), and he said, 'Look. if there's one light, she noted, our iobs ArId, it was uifficult to picture fenc- is, is getting a partner and practicing, For at they can't call it against you,' that presup­ "When I got back to this country I that context - to renlember the feeling least an hour, just the two of us, I'll do five poses a certain level. That's the tough part of unused to the competition here. So it toc an arm protec~or I riking up inside your lunges on her, and she can do five of what­ it. an adjustment to get back into that, ane jacket sleeve, to watch you shoe laces whiie ever she wants on me, This is what I used to King I lost everything I had learned" genuflected for iOU weapon to do which is why my technique didn't desert eral, then in the United States and "I think what fencing ought to do ir tested, to know the of flustrations and me in times of competition," Europe--and the schism between the two, country is take a good hard look at victories, When she did free fence in the club, King "We really are removed from the sports, like gymnastics which has m I decided to imagine that we were at an said, she "very rarely won," mainstream of fencing," King said, "The from relative obscurity to where we open while she spoke",King was in whites found oulthat I was having trouble with method of directing in Europe is different winning at international levels, between rounds, We sat on a bench at the a certain action, say a pressure disengage, I We still call a parry riposte on an attack that particularly over the las: ten: sidelilres ea!il1g some would work mainly on lhat actioli all night­ arrives where in Europe you would never get there has been a huge change in sanul'.iches that had been people would kill me with it" it If you don't parry adequately and their at­ the United States has not I 'lext to the boul comnlillee "But in the club, it didn't matter", tack comes directly through--that's it" kept up with-except in one or two sp' King was taikil:g about her fencing King picked up a foil that was leaning She claims that another major difference in instances The only way to do that is to "You always have to assume that some­ against the bench and used it to illustrate her international fencing is that Europeans are the source, When the United States thing is yoillg to go wrong at a competition, I conversation When she was talking about used to concentrating over long and increas­ weak in swimming, which was a long always had somethina to fall back on, The parries, the foil angled left or right If she ingly difficult competitions, Americans can ago, they sent away kids to Australia tl important ellill\) is spoke of a circle disengage, her foil swept a usually concentrate for one or two rounds the techniques down. And they that is nol UOillU 10 subtle arc, when they are in international meets, but, coaches," "What I did, instead of giving my partner a after that, their concentration wavers be­ "We have to develop a consi, cause they are not used to that kind of in- philosophy Qnd method of teaching in